Fans and fighters react to Lionel Messi finally realizing his FIFA World Cup dream

Lionel Messi finally achieved his goal of securing a FIFA World Cup victory with Argentina. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have for many years been considered the greatest footballers of their generation, but now it seems the Argentine has edged himself ahead of his rival.

Many MMA fighters and personalities have reacted to Argentina's victory against France in the final. Michael Chiesa was one of the first to react to the result, stating that it was unreal for Messi to have finally lifted a FIFA World Cup:

"Messi finally wins one. Unreal." #FIFAWorldCup

Messi finally wins one. Unreal. #FIFAWorldCup

See more reactions from the MMA world here:

Messi…. 🇦🇷 🏆 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I just saw a great comment on messi via instagram - if this was a movie people would say it’s too unrealistic ! 🐐#ArgentinaVsFrance #WorldCup

Was the robe necessary though? Way to ruin an iconic image 🤦 https://t.co/g5dH9AgJoa

Popular MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also congratulated the Argentine national team and believes the final will be talked about until the end of time.

These tears are incredible. What a moment. They’ll be talking about this game until the end of time. Congrats, 🇦🇷.

Some of the leading fighters within the newly emerging 'influencer' boxing scene also reacted to the legendary final match between former champions France and Argentina.

One of the most talked about crossover boxers this year, Jake Paul, believes the win cemented Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time.

"MESSI IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME."

MESSI IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

See more reactions from the influencer boxing world here:

Messi has won a World Cup.
Ronaldo has never won a World Cup.

The debate is over people.

THE GOAT?! https://t.co/AzZ2KMfyI5

How did Lionel Messi lead Argentina to victory against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final?

Argentina put on a dominant display during the first half of the FIFA World Cup final against France. Lionel Messi quickly opened the scoring, getting past French keeper Hugo Lloris after just 23 minutes via an early penalty.

Angel Di María doubled Argentina's lead just 13 minutes later, with Messi's side looking in full control of the contest. However, Kylian Mbappe wasn't going to let his French side lose their crown without a fight.

Messi's fellow PSG star scored twice in the second half - one goal coming from the penalty spot and the other from open play. This meant a once-easy lead for Argentina had now been destroyed, leaving the South American side on the ropes in the dying minutes of the game.

Watch the highlights of the match here:

In extra time, both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe scored for their sides again. This led to a dreaded penalty shootout to crown the world's best footballing nation.

However, the Argentines kept their nerve, scoring all of their penalties. Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni missed for France, something they'll regret for the rest of their lives.